The Los Angeles Angels are battling to stay relevant in the playoff race as they hover just below a .500 record. When Mike Trout went down with a knee injury, the team’s primary focus became staying competitive in the AL West until he could return. Since then, they’ve managed to keep pace, waiting for their star’s comeback.
On Wednesday, they received encouraging news regarding Trout’s recovery. According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Trout shared a hopeful update about his progress.
“Mike Trout ran on the field again today and said this time it was at about 80 percent intensity. Said he felt great,” Bollinger reported on X (formerly Twitter).
While Trout may no longer be the undisputed top player in the league, he remains one of the game’s premier outfielders. His return will be a much-needed boost to the Angels’ lineup.
So far this season, Trout has appeared in 29 games but has struggled offensively, hitting just .179 with a .264 on-base percentage. Still, he’s managed to hit for power, tallying nine home runs and 18 RBIs in just 106 at-bats.
This year, he also shifted from center field to right field—a move made with his health in mind—as he continues adjusting to the new position.
Interestingly, the Angels have fared slightly better without Trout, posting a 10-8 record in his absence compared to 12-17 with him in the lineup. As it stands, they are 22-25 overall and trail the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners by 5.5 games. If Trout can find his form upon returning, Los Angeles could still mount a serious push in the division.